Two women activists arrested in Sudan’s Sennar state

December 27, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – The Horn of Africa Women’s Network “SIHA” announced that two of its team members, Alla Mohamed Abdallah and Hoyam Abdo, were detained by Sudanese Military Intelligence (SMI) in Sennar state, located in the central part of the country.

The arrests occurred as Abdallah and Abdo were returning to Sennar State after completing a training course in Uganda. The incident took place in the state capital, Sinja, on December 25.

The military authorities have not revealed the grounds for their arrest or disclosed the location where they are currently being detained.

Hala Al-Karib, SIHA Regional Director, strongly condemned the arrests, stating that SMI hinders the activities of voluntary activists in regions under the military government’s control. She highlighted the regular arrest campaigns carried out by military intelligence, particularly targeting members of political parties opposing the war in Sudan.

“Targeting and intimidating women and women’s rights defenders is a recurring pattern in this conflict, as both warring parties represent the remnants of the oppressive Bashir regime and Sudan Political Islamists,” remarked Al-Karib.

Expressing dissatisfaction and deep concern for the detained members, SIHA demanded their immediate release. The network held the military garrison in Sinja fully accountable for the safety of the arrested activists.

The statement also called upon human rights organizations and the international community to intervene, emphasizing the need to protect activists and human rights defenders in Sudan. These individuals are actively working to alleviate the plight of civilians affected by the ongoing war.

Following the coup on October 25, 2021, the military intelligence service became the primary repressive tool employed by the al-Burhan-led government against the pro-democracy civilian forces.

(ST)